Turn Out the Lights
Julien Baker · 2017
42 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Raw and introspective, the album intertwines haunting melodies with deeply personal lyrics, creating a poignant emotional landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Appointments — This track encapsulates the album's theme of confronting personal struggles and vulnerability through its intricate piano arrangements and evocative lyrics about accountability.
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Turn Out the Lights — The title track stands out for its stark exploration of loneliness and the desire for connection, blending haunting instrumentals with Baker's powerful vocal delivery.
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Televangelist — This song combines sharp social commentary with Baker’s introspective style, highlighting her ability to weave personal experiences into broader societal critiques.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw emotionality and lyrical depth create a compelling listening experience that rewards repeat plays.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of sparse instrumentation, primarily focusing on piano and guitar, which allows Baker's vocals to take center stage.
- Several tracks employ a gradual build-up, starting with soft dynamics that swell into more intense emotional climaxes, particularly in 'Appointments' and 'Televangelist'.
- The lyrics throughout are deeply personal and often reflect themes of vulnerability and introspection, with many songs ending on unresolved chords that enhance their emotional weight.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective late-night listening
- haunting melodies for reflection
- cathartic moments of vulnerability
- quiet contemplation after heartbreak
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- wanting instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Julien Baker's second studio album, Turn Out the Lights followed her critically acclaimed debut, Sprained Ankle. By this time, Baker had established herself as a significant voice in indie music, garnering attention for her lyrical honesty and emotive performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phoebe Bridgers· Lucy Dacus· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Over 1:28
- 2 Appointments 4:33
- 3 Turn Out the Lights 3:23
- 4 Shadowboxing 3:53
- 5 Sour Breath 3:04
- 6 Televangelist 4:52
- 7 Everything to Help You Sleep 4:21
- 8 Happy to Be Here 4:16
- 9 Hurt Less 3:59
- 10 Even 3:33
- 11 Claws in Your Back 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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